Rails to Trails in Virginia

Some former railroads that have been abandoned have been converted into rails-to-trails projects. When the Norfolk Southern ceased hauling coal along the Guest River in 1988, it donated the right-of-way and the George Washington National Forest created the Guest River Gorge Trail.1

In 2019, the Bay Coast Railroad ceased operations on the Eastern Shore. Accomack and Northampton counties could find new Class III shortline railroads to restore service on a portion of the track, but a 49-mile stretch between Cape Charles and Hallwood were abandoned. The 40-foot wide right of way crossed flat ground, making it especially suitable for recreational biking.2